Trading Reality Read online

  Just then, the group finished their sandwiches and stood up. They moved towards us and began to march round in a circle in front of the exhibition centre. They were wearing ‘Brave Old World League’ badges. They shambled round, laughing and chatting, handing leaflets to anyone who would take one. Some of them carried placards: ‘SAVE OUR CHILDREN’, ‘VIRTUAL HELL IS HERE’, ‘KEEP REALITY REAL’.

  I watched them thoughtfully. I remembered the intense high I had felt while trading the market through Bondscape, and the extreme trauma we had put Sorenson through. Richard was right; virtual reality could do good. But I also remembered Doogie’s words. What would happen when virtual reality was available to everyone, to the mentally sick, the lazy, to perverts, psychopaths, sadists?

  ‘I know what you’re thinking,’ said Rachel softly. ‘But it’s too late now.’ She stubbed out her cigarette. ‘Come on, let’s go. We’ve got some VR machines to sell.’